The Wind That Shakes the Barley
Director: Ken Loach
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Liam Cunningham, Padraic Delaney
Two Irish movies in a row! You know, my cultural heritage is a Mixed bag that includes Italian, German, and Irish. For some reason, it's always been the Irish that I identify with the most. My mom's dad, Harry Stout, was a true Irishman. Something about Ireland and Irish tradition has always spoken to me. Catholicism, corned beef & cabbage dinners, St. Patrick's parish, Celtic music, folklore...I am so intrigued with this culture and am proud to have Irish heritage.
This was a historical drama set in 1920's Ireland. It focused on the IRA's struggle for independence from England. I've seen quite a few movies about rebelling from an oppressive government (Braveheart, Star Wars, etc.), but this movie really took a deeper look and the complexities that go into a revolution. It's not always as simple as "keep fighting until we are free". These wars can pit brother against brother, something that is always a moral struggle. How long can one hold onto their convictions in the face of such a tragedy?
The acting in this movie was top notch. The Irish cast was superb. The visuals were very effective, whether it be a beautiful shot of the Irish countryside or a brutally harsh scene of bloodshed.
Overall, a very moving film about a harsh subject.
Lesson learned: Never sell out.
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